We are working with the Multinational Security Transition Command (MNSTC) and the Iraqi authorities to review the required future manning levels for the Iraqi security forces. The MNSTC currently assesses that the future strength of the Iraqi armed forces will be approximately 100,000; of the police, 135,000; of the Iraqi national guard, 62,000; and of the Department for Border Security, 32,000. These figures remain under regular review.

There are currently no plans to increase the substantial support that the Department is providing to the Iraqi Interim Government in its efforts to improve security, although we keep the situation under constant review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether at any stage during June, July or August he imposed a ban on press access to or news coverage of British forces serving in the Iraq theatre of operations. [188594]

[holding answer 13 September 2004]The Ministry of Defence has not banned access to, or news coverage of, British forces in Iraq. Sponsored media representatives accompanying British forces in Iraq have, on occasion, had temporary restrictions placed upon their movement, either for their own safety and that of the forces protecting them or because their reporting could put our personnel at risk.